IUCN RED LIST
Established in 1964, The IUCN Red List is a critical indicator of the health of the world’s biodiversity. Species are classified by the IUCN Red List into nine groups, through criteria such as rate of decline, population size and area of geographic distribution as:
- Extinct (EX) – This species is no longer extant
- Extinct in the wild (EW) – Survives only in captivity, or through cultivation often outside native range
- Critically endangered (CR) – In an extremely critical state
- Endangered (EN) – Very high risk of extinction in the wild
- Vulnerable (VU) – At high risk of unnatural (human-caused) extinction
- Near Threatened (NT) – Close to being endangered in the near future
- Least Concern (LC) – Widespread and abundant in the wild
- Data Deficient (DD) – Inadequate information to assess extinction risk
- Not Evaluated (NE) – Has not yet been assessed
The butterfly is bright lemon-yellow with black-bordered forewings. The underside of the wings may display brownish markings and seasonal variations that help camouflage among dry leaves. Females are generally slightly larger and paler than males.
The Common Grass Yellow is an active and restless butterfly with rapid fluttering flight close to the ground. It is usually seen singly or in small groups feeding on flowers or basking in sunlight. During cloudy weather or evenings, individuals roost beneath leaves for protection.
The species exhibits local seasonal movements and occasional mass migrations, especially during monsoon transitions. Large groups may be seen moving together across open landscapes.
Breeding occurs throughout the year, particularly during monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. Females lay spindle-shaped eggs singly on host plants belonging mainly to the legume family. Caterpillars feed actively before forming a green chrysalis attached to leaves or stems.
Bright yellow colouration helps in species recognition and mating. Seasonal wing patterns provide camouflage among green or dry foliage. Rapid erratic flight helps evade predators. Lightweight body structure enables efficient movement over long distances.
Adult butterflies feed on nectar from small flowering plants such as lantana, tridax, and clover. Caterpillars primarily feed on leaves of leguminous plants including cassia and senna species.
It commonly inhabits grasslands, gardens, forest edges, wetlands, agricultural fields, roadside vegetation, and urban parks. The species prefers sunny open habitats with abundant low-growing vegetation.
